‘Defend the product’: How the French keep their artisan food culture alive
For The Guardian’s EuroVisions series (in the features section), I was delighted to bring together much of the insight I gained in writing Amuse Bouche: How to Eat Your Way Around France and report on how the French protect their food heritage and culture, as well as its local artisans. The article was shortlisted in […]
The best autumn breaks in France
With travel picking up in autumn 2021, The Guardian asked me to select 20 ideas for autumn in France. It was a pleasure to tap into my many great experiences of autumn in France, as well as some of my favourite places to stay. Read them here While this was written for 2021, they’re not […]
A taste of France in six drinks
Story for National Geographic Traveller Food: link The French have had winemaking down to a fine art for centuries, but so too are they experts at creating liqueurs, spirits, aperitifs and digestifs. Each region has its libation of choice and each will tell you something of the land around you, its history, its produce and, often, the families who have been making […]
The Cotentin’s secret beaches
Where to find the best beaches in Normandy, the secret beaches, the hidden beaches, the best beaches for families, hikers and picnics
Best stopovers en route south
“Where do you stop when you drive south?” is possibly the number one question I get asked… and it’s so good to have dozens of suggestions up my sleeve. Whether you want to just enjoy a bit of luxury and switch off at a beautiful boutique hotel, or have a more adventurous stay in a […]
30 best B&Bs in France
I love a chambres d’hotes – the French answer to a BnB gives you a chance to chat to the owners, get the inside track on what the best places to visit, best restaurants, and the history of an area. This made it a joy to put together my favourite 30 in France for The […]
Visit Normandy’s D-Day sites
Visit the D-Day Beaches on Normandy’s coast
A weekend in Bayeux
The town of Bayeux, near the north French coast, is best known for its tapestry but what else is there to enjoy on a weekend there? This article is a longer version of one written for The Times on what to see and do on Bayeux Normandy. A weekend in Bayeux We all know how […]
50 best holidays in France
Some of my recent pieces for The Times’ travel section
Where to find the best ‘brocante’
If you love bric-a-brac or antiques, then you can’t go too far in France without finding a ‘brocante’, rammed with all sorts of objets and vintage items. The best place I’ve found, in terms of variety, is Le Perche in Normandy, which is included in this feature for Homes & Antiques magazine, along with Paris, […]